Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served over fluffy rice with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

I first made this garlic butter shrimp rice bowl on a busy weeknight when I needed something fast and flavorful. It instantly became a family favorite with its bright taste and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Rice: 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (about 3/4 cup uncooked)
• Garlic Butter Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• Garnishes: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Season:

Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.

Sauté Garlic:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Cook Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

Add Flavor:

Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt. Remove from heat.

Assemble Bowls:

Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the garlic butter shrimp and spoon some of the sauce over the rice.

Garnish:

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

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Gathering around the dinner table with my family, we all savor each bite of this shrimp rice bowl and share stories from our day.

Required Tools

Large skillet, cooking spoon or spatula, rice cooker or saucepan, measuring spoons, knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories: 375, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 26 g per serving

Dietary Options

For dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative. Swap rice for quinoa to make it gluten-free.

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Enjoy your garlic butter shrimp rice bowl hot and fresh, with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you prevent garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic over medium heat, stirring constantly and remove from heat if it starts to brown to avoid bitterness.

→ What type of rice works best?

Fragrant jasmine or basmati rice complements the garlic butter shrimp with its fluffy texture and subtle aroma.

→ Can I add spice to the dish?

Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking gives a gentle kick without overpowering the garlic butter flavor.

→ How to keep shrimp tender?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side, to avoid toughness.

→ What garnishes enhance the dish?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the rich butter sauce.